The economic activities in Pakistan divide across services at 58.4% of GDP, agriculture at 23.4%, and industry at 18.1% as of 2024. What are the main economic activities in Pakistan? Crops like wheat, cotton, rice and sugarcane keep the primary sector vital. As of 2024, GDP reached about $371.6 billion. Agriculture still employs many.
As of 2024, Pakistan recorded a GDP of approximately $371.6 billion, placing it among the larger economies of South Asia. Its GDP per capita stood at about $1,479 (As of 2024), reflecting its status as a lower middle-income economy. (Source: World Bank.)
Despite its ranking, Pakistan’s economy continues to show resilience and potential for growth in various sectors.
What are the economic activities of Pakistan?
- Primary activities: ~23.4% of GDP (As of 2024).
- Secondary activities: ~18.1% of GDP (As of 2024).
- Tertiary activities: ~58.4% of GDP (As of 2024).
Primary Sector of Pakistan
With 47.09% of the country’s land dedicated to agriculture, Pakistan produces a variety of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include sugarcane, bison milk, wheat, milk, rice, maize, potatoes, mangoes/guavas, cotton, and onions.
Despite contributing about 23.4% to the GDP (As of 2024), agriculture remains a vital sector in Pakistan. The variety of crops and animal products not only sustains the economy but also provides livelihoods to a significant portion of the population.
The country’s diverse geology provides a range of natural resources, including arable land, extensive natural gas reserves, limited petroleum, poor quality coal, iron ore, copper, salt, and limestone. These resources play a crucial role in the economy, with agriculture, mining, and energy sectors benefiting significantly.Pakistan’s oil production of around 82,514 barrels per day ranks it 29th globally. With oil reserves of 353.5 million barrels, it holds 0.03% of the world’s oil reserves. Oil production is a key economic activity in the country, contributing significantly to its energy sector.Pakistan’s gas production of 39,300 million m³ in 2020 ranks 23rd globally, contributing significantly to the country’s economic activity.Secondary Sector of Pakistan
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?In Pakistan, main industrial products are textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, surgical instruments, construction materials, paper products, fertilizer, and shrimp.Manufactures play a crucial role in Pakistan’s total exports, accounting for 70.96% in 2023. This highlights their significant contribution to the country’s economic growth and stability.Tertiary sector of Pakistan
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Pakistan
In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use, like metals for weapons. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment, such as tanks and aircraft. The tertiary sector involves services provided by the military, including logistics and training. Research and development in the quaternary sector help improve technology, while high-level decision-making in the quinary sector shapes military strategy.
In Pakistan, military expenditure was about $10.2 billion in 2024, equivalent to roughly 2.7% of the country’s GDP (As of 2024, SIPRI). The active military force has 660,000 personnel, resulting in about 6.2 active military members for every 1,000 people in the population.
Biggest company in Pakistan
Which is the biggest company in Pakistan? The largest company by market capitalization is the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), with a market value of around $4.5 billion (As of 2024). State-owned and headquartered in Islamabad, OGDCL is Pakistan’s leading exploration and production firm in the oil and gas industry, part of the secondary economic sector. (Source: company profile.)International Trade of Pakistan
Import Activities of Pakistan
Pakistan’s import activities are highly important, with goods imports of roughly $53 billion in fiscal year 2024 (July 2023-June 2024), equivalent to roughly 14% of the country’s GDP (As of FY2024; Pakistan’s fiscal year ends 30 June).Pakistan’s import activities are significant, with major partners including China, UAE, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. The country mainly imports refined petroleum, crude petroleum, natural gas, palm oil, and cotton.Exports Activities of Pakistan
In fiscal year 2024 (July 2023-June 2024), Pakistan’s total goods exports reached roughly $30 billion, accounting for about 8% of its GDP. Worker remittances, a major external inflow, added roughly $30 billion more (As of FY2024). With a low export contribution, diversifying and boosting export activities can significantly enhance economic growth and stability.Pakistan’s export activities focus on garments, fabric, cotton fabric, rice, and refined petroleum. The country’s top export partners are the US (17%), Germany (7%), China (7%), UAE (7%), and UK (6%).Pakistan economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Pakistan faces challenges with high debt, corruption, currency devaluation, food insecurity, and inflation. Its fragile agriculture sector and regional disputes hinder investment, impacting its lower middle-income economy.Sources
- World Bank: Pakistan
- IMF: Pakistan
- CIA World Factbook: Pakistan
- SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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